Vehicle attachment



Nov. 14, 1961 F. B. CLINE ETAL 3,008,251

VEHICLE ATTACHMENT Filed July 6, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 11v TOR$ FREDERICK B. NE BYWARD w. WALKER FINN 6. OLSEN ATTORNEY Nov. 14, 1961 Filed July 6, 1959 F. B. CLINE E'AL VEHICLE ATTACHMENT "w 60 N r A 68 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FREDERICK a. CLINE' BY WARD w. WALKER INVENTORS FINN G. OLSEN ATTORNEY Unite rates 3,098,251 VEIHCLE ATTACHMENT Frederick B. Cline, 9464 Sheldon Road, Plymouth, Mich, and Ward W. Walker, Box 24, Mio, Mich. Filed July 6, 1959, Ser. No. 824,995 Claims. (Cl. 37-143) The present invention relates to an attachment for a tractor or similar vehicle, and more particularly to a scraper adapted primarily, but not exclusivel for earth moving operations in filling ditches and the like.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an attachment for a tractor or similar vehicle which is constructed and arranged so that it can be suspended under the tractor and will function to perform a scraping operation laterally of the tractor as the latter is moved forward.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an attachment of the foregoing character which has a scraper blade assembly adapted to be reciprocated on a normally stationary frame and wherein the scraper blade will be effective for scraping when the assembly is moved in one direction and will be deflected upward by obstructions in its path of movement when moved in the opposite direction.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an attachment of the foregoing character which is constructed and arranged so that the scraper blade can be reversed so as to scrape in either direction of movement of the scraper blade assembly.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an attachment of the foregoing character which has frame members formed from tubular stock so that maximum strength is derived therefrom while providing a relatively light weight unit.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly for reciprocating the scraper blade assembly of the aforesaid attachment.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an attachment of the foregoing character wherein the normally stationary frame is adapted to be pivotally suspended from the tractor, and a fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly is pivotally connected to a free end of the normally stationary frame so that the same can be supported in an inclined position or in a generally horizontal plane, said attachment being constructed and arranged so that the same may also be used for excavating purposes by proper actuation of the two piston and cylinder assemblies.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an attachment of the foregoing character which is adapted to utilize the hydraulic pressure system of a tractor for actuating the aforesaid piston and cylinder assemblies.

Other objects of this invention will appear in the following description and appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an attachment embodying the present invention showing by phantom lines a second position to which some of the elements can be moved;

55,63,251 Patented Nova 14, 1961 FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary side elevation at one end of the embodiment of FIGURE 1 and showing the scraper blade in two positions in which it may selectively be assembled; 7

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary section taken across the scraper blade and associated parts;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary section taken on the line 44 of FIGURE 1; and

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary side elevation of the opposite end of the attachment from the scraper blade.

Before explaining the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various Ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Referring now to the drawings, the illustrated embodiment will be described in greater detail. The attachment 10 is primarily adapted for use with a conventional tractor (not shown) which has a hydraulic pressure sys tem. A longitudinal member 12 is adapted to be positioned horizontally under the tractor (not shown) and to be supported from the rear axle housing by the bracket 14 and from the front axle housing or other supporting structure by the bracket 16. However, it will be understood that any type of bracket may be used in place of brackets 14 and 16, depending upon the vehicle on which the attachment is to be mounted.

Rigidly connected to the longitudinal member 12, as by welding, are a pair of spaced plates 18 and 20 which have apertured lower portions through which extend a support rod 22. The latter can readily be removed from the plates 18 and 2t merely by removing cotter pins at the opposite ends and sliding the support rod 22 axially away from the plates 18 and 2 0.

The support rod 22 provides a pivotal mounting for the rectangular frame member 24 which includes a pair of tubular side portions;26 and 28 which in the present,

embodiment are rectangular in cross section. The side portions 26 and 28 are connected at their outer ends by a similar tubular end portion 30 and at their inner ends by the rigid U-shaped saddle member 32. As can be seen in FIGURES 1 and 4, the U-shaped saddle member 32 has aligned holes in its upright portions, and the support rod 22 extends through such holes and supports the U-shaped saddle member, and thereby the inner end of the rectangular frame member 24, in pivotal relation with respect to the longitudinal member 12. This also indicates that the rectangular frame member 24 can be pivoted to a horizontal plane or any desired inclined plane relative to the tractor (not shown). a

For the purpose of supporting the rectangular frame 24- in a selected stationary position, a conventional hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly 34 is provided, which is pivotally connected at one end, as at 36, to the outer end or end portion 30 and which is pivotally connected at the other end, as at 38 to a bracket assembly 40. The bracket assembly 40 may be any desired shape so that it can be mounted on a suitable side portion of the tractor (not shown) on which the attachment 10 is to be mounted. Thus, by expanding or contracting the conventional hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly 34 u the rectangular frame member 24 can be pivoted to any desiredinclined or horizontal position relative to the tractor (not shown).

A second rectangular frame member i2 is supported within the tubular side portions 26 and 28 of the first rectangular frame member 24 and is laterally movable relative thereto. The frame member i2 also has two tubular side portions 64 and 46 which fit into the side portions 26 and 28, but are somewhat longer. in the illustrated embodiment, the side portions d4 and 36 are approximately twice the length'of their associated side portions 26 and 28, The tubular side portions 44 and 46 are connected at the right end as seen in FIGURE 1,

bya pair of relatively smaller :spaced tubular end members 48 which are welded or otherwise suitably secured to the upper and lower surfaces of the tubular members 44 and 46. :Connected to the outer side of the end members 48 are bracket members 59 which pivotally support, as at 52, the end of a second piston and cylinder assembly 54. The latter is connected at its other end to the tubular end member 39 of rectangular frame member 24.

Thus, expansion andcontraction of piston and cylinder assembly 54 will cause corresponding reciprocal movethe tractor (not shown) can proceed parallel to the ditch ment of frame member 42 relative to frame member 24.

The tubular side portions 44 and 46- are connected together at the. left end, as seen in FIGURE 1, bya tubuthe frame member 4-2, a metal strap 53, see FIGURES 2 and 3, is preferably fitted to and welded around the tubular end member 56 and-the tubular side members 4 and 46. 1 7

Also extending between and supported by the tubular side portions 44 and 46 is a shaft 60 which is retained in place by conventional cotter pins (not shown), or the like, so that it can be readily removed for a purpose to be described. Pivotally mounted on the shaft 60 is a scraper blade 62. The latter has a blade tip portion 64 which is welded to the plate 66. The latter is welded to the sleeve 68 which rotatably fits around shaft 60. The plate 66 extends the full width of the frame member 42 and has its upper corners notched so that the plate extends-under the tubular side members 44 and .6 as can be seen at 70. It will also be observed that the scraper blade 62 is positioned so that when it is in a vertical position the plate 66 fits against the tubular end member 56 thereby limiting pivotal movement of the scraper blade 66 in a clockwise direction, FIGURE 2, beyondthis vertical plane, but allowing the scraper blade 66 to be deflected in a clockwise direction to the position shown in phantom at 72in FIGURE 1. 1

Furthermore, by virtue of' the construction of the scraper blade 62 and the associated parts, the scraper blade 62 can be released from the frame member 42 by' of reciprocal movement of the frame member 42.

In operation, the attachment 10 is adapted to be mounted on a tractor by means of the three bracket assemblies 14, 16 and 40. When mounted, the frame member 24 islpivoted to the desiredposition relative to a horizontal plane by means of the piston and cylinder assembly The normal scraping operation can then be performed by reciprocating the frame member42 by means of the conventional piston and cylinder assembly 54. In

'lar end member 56, and for strengthening this end of 1 excavations, when passing over them.

on the opposite side from the excavations with the sttachment 16 overhanging the ditch. The attachment can then be extended to the position shown in phantom in FIGURE 1. During this extension operation the blade 62 will be deflected upwardly by obstructions, such as the On the return stroke the excavations will be scraped into the ditch by the blade 62. Thus, the tractor (not shown) can move slowly alongside the ditch and continuously refill the same. If it should be desired to push the obstructions away from the tractor (not shown), this can be carried'out merely by reversing the position of the scraper blade 62, as previously described. This reversed arrangement is found to be very useful inhelping to scrape highways, and the like, in winter time when snow and ice has formed under highway guard rails and the like, preventing proper drainage. Under these conditions the frame member 42 can be extended under the guard rail clearing the snow and ice. It will be recognized that the described uses of the attachment 10 may cause the frame members 42 and 24 to encounter dirt and stationary obstructions. For this pur pose it is desired to have strap 58, FIGURES 2 and 3, guarding the end of frame member 42. It is also desirable to have the removable guard members or straps 7S bolted to opposite ends of the tubularside members and 46 and overlying the corresponding tubular side members 26 and 28. Thus, wear and abrasion will be on these guard members and the latter can be removed and replaced when necessary.

It is also to be observed that the frame members 24 and 42 are formed of tubular stock providing a relatively lightweight structure which can be attached to and removed from' a tractor in relatively easy fashion.

Having thus described our invention, we claim:

1. An attachment adapted to be mounted on the underside of a tractor which has a hydraulic pressure system, said attachment comprising a horizontally disposed longitudinal member adapted to be secured at its opposite ends to under portions of the tractor, a bracket adapted to be-attached to a side portion of said tractor, a first rectangular frame member suspended at one end from and pivotally connected to said longitudinal member, a

first hydraulically actuated double-acting piston and cylthe stroke of the frame member '42 to'the left, FIGURE 1, any obstructions encountered by the blade 62 will (It? flect the latter upwardly and on the return stroke, such blade 62 will again encounter the, obstruction and will scrape the same to the right. Thus, where a ditch has inder assembly pivotally connected to said bracket and to the other end of said frame member so as to be operable to support said frame member in a laterally extending position selectively either in ahorizontal plane or in any of a series of inclined or declined positions, said first rectangular frame member having open channels in its foreand aft sides, a second rectangular frame member of greater length than the firstframe member supported in the channels of said first frame member for reciprocable movement therein, a second hydraulically actuated double-acting piston and cylinder assembly operably connected between said other end of said first frame member and the opposite one end of said second frame member for laterally extending and retracting the second frame member relative to the first frame member, a blade pivotally connected to and depending from the other end of said second frame member and having a stop portion for limiting pivotal movement in one direction beyond a vertical plane so that when reciprocating the second frame member in one direction the blade will be pivoted upwardly by obstructions encountered and on the return of the second frame member to its initial position the blade will act as a scraper, and hydraulic conduits connected to said first and second piston and cylinder assemblies and adapted to be connected to the hydraulic system of said tractor.

tally disposed longitudinal member aadpted to be secured at its opposite ends to under portions of the tractor, a bracket adapted to be attached to a side portion of the tractor, a first rectangular frame member suspended from and pivotally connected to said longitudinal member, a first fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly pivotally connected to said bracket and to said frame member for supporting the latter in a horizontal position or in any of a plurality of selected inclined positions relative to a horizontal plane, a second rectangular frame member supported by said first rectangular frame member for reciprocable movement, a second fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly operably connected between said other end of said first frame member and the opposite one end of said second frame member for reciprocating said second frame member, and a blade pivotally connected to and depending from the other end of said second frame member and having a stop portion for limiting pivotal movement in one direction beyond a vertical plane so that when reciprocating the second frame member in one direction the blade will be pivoted upwardly by obstructions encountered by the blade and on the return of the second frame member to its initial position the blade will act as a scraper.

3. A vehicle attachment comprising a horizontally disposed longitudinal member, a first rectangular frame member suspended at one end from and pivotally connected to said longitudinal member, a first fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly pivotally connected to the other end of said frame member and adapted to be connected to an elevated support so as to be operable to pivot said first frame member to a horizontal position or an inclined position, said first frame member having open channels in its fore and aft sides, a second rectangular frame member of greater length than the first frame member supported in the channels of the first frame member for reciprocable movement therein, a second fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly operably connected between said other end of said first frame member and the opposite one end of said second frame member for laterally extending and retracting the second frame member relative to the first frame member, a blade pivotally connected to and depending from the other end of said second frame member and having a stop portion for limiting pivotal movement in one direction beyond a vertical plane so that when reciprocating the second frame member in one direction the blade will be pivoted upwardly by obstructions encountered and on the return of the second frame member to its initial position the blade will act as a scraper.

4. A vehicle attachment comprising a horizontally disposed longitudinal member, a first laterally extending frame member supported from said longitudinal member for pivotal movement, a first fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly pivotally connected to said first frame member and adapted to be connected to a support positioned out of a horizontal plane containing said longitudinal member so that said first frame member can be positioned selectively in either a horizontal or an inclined position, a second laterally extending frame member supported by said first frame member for relative reciprocable movement, a second fluid actuated piston and cylinder assembly operably connected between said first frame member and one end of said second frame member for reciprocating said second frame member, and a scraper blade connected to the other end of said second frame member.

5. A vehicle attachment comprising a horizontally disposed longitudinal member, a first laterally extending frame member supported from said longitudinal member for pivotal movement, support means connected to said first frame member and adapted to be connected to a supporting surface for holding said first frame member selectively either in a horizontal plane or in an inclined position, a second laterally extending frame member supported by said first frame member for relative reciprocable movement therebetween, motor means operably connected between said first frame member and one end of said second frame member for reciprocating said second frame member, and a scraper blade connected to the other end of said second frame member.

6. A vehicle attachment as claimed in claim 5 wherein said blade is pivotally connected to and depends from said second frame member, and means are provided for limiting pivotal movement of said blade in one direction beyond a vertical plane so that when the second frame member is reciprocated in one direction the blade Will function as a scraper and when reciprocated in the other direction the blade will be deflected upwardly by obstructions encountered by the blade.

7. A vehicle attachment comprising a first rectangular frame member, means for supporting said first frame member on the underside of said vehicle with said first frame member being generally in a horizontal plane extending laterally from one side of the vehicle, a second rectangular frame member supported by said first frame member for reciprocable movement with respect thereto in said lateral direction, motor means operably connected between said first frame member and one end of said second frame member for reciprocating said second frame member, a scraper blade depending from the other end of said second frame member and mounted so as to be held against pivotal movement beyond a vertical plane in one direction of movement whereby said blade will function as a scraper when said second frame is moved in said one direction.

8. A vehicle attachment comprising a first rectangular frame member, means for supporting said first frame member on the underside of said vehicle with said first frame member being generally in a horizontal plane extending laterally from one side of the vehicle, a second rectangular frame member supported by said first frame member for reciprocable movement with respect thereto in said lateral direction, motor means operably connected between said first frame member and one end of said second frame member for reciprocating said second frame member, a scraper blade depending from the other end of said second frame member and mounted so as to be held against pivotal movement beyond a vertical plane in one direction of movement whereby said blade will function as a scraper when said second frame is moved in said one direction, said scraper blade being removable and constructed and arranged so that it can be remounted on said second frame in a reversed position whereby said blade will function as a scraper when said second frame member is moved in the other direction.

9. A vehicle attachment comprising a first rectangular frame member having tubular side portions, means for supporting said first frame member on the underside of said vehicle with said first frame being generally in a horizontal plane and extending laterally from one side of said vehicle, a second rectangular frame member having tubular side portions extending through the tubular side portions of said first frame member and being relatively longer than said first frame member, motor means operably connected between said first frame member and one end of said second frame member for reciprocating said second frame member in the tubular side portions of said first frame member, and a scraper blade operably connected to the other end of said second frame member.

10. A vehicle attachment comprising a first rectangular frame member having tubular side portions, means for supporting said first frame member on the underside of said vehicle with said first frame member being generally in a horizontal plane and extending laterally from one side of said vehicle, a second rectangular frame member having tubular side portions extending through the tubular side portions of said first frame member and being relatively longer than said first frame member, motor V 7 3,068,251 7 means operably connected between said first frame member and one end of said second frame member for recip- 7 rocating said second frame member in the tubular side portions of said first frame member, a scraper blade 492,875 fl F 7, operably connected-to and depending from the other end 5 2,348,796 Felwerda May of said second frame member, and guard members con- 2,627,989 Chaves nested to opposite ends of said second frame member and 2,683,542 I July 13, overlying the tubular side portions of said first .frame 2,798,315 Glfiofd 3 9, member. 8 Nofi'smger Dec. 3,

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS s 

